A Best Value

March 29, 2005

To the editor:

The 1,700 member firms of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Pennsylvania (ABC PA) would like to commend the state Department of General Services (DGS) for thinking better of its plan to implement "Best Value" contracting for state construction services.

Why should Pennsylvanians care?

Because, if implemented, Best Value could lead to billions of dollars in state taxpayer funded construction contracts awarded behind closed doors. In an age where the public distrusts its government, such a policy will only further erode that relationship. There will be no proof that contracts are awarded fairly because the public will be shut out of the process entirely.

That isn't Best Value. That's old style slick deal making. A better name might be "Best Buddy" because it invites corruption.

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Currently, DGS awards construction projects to private contractors through an open, public, and competitive bidding process. It rightfully ensures DGS gets the best prices for construction projects in a completely open process.

Not only would Best Value allow the state to actually select more expensive bids, but a secret, subjective five-person panel would pick the winners. Unbelievably, the public would have absolutely no right or opportunity to observe a process that determines how potentially billions of taxpayers' dollars are spent.

If such a policy sounds impossible, it isn't. Thankfully, DGS is reconsidering this idea. ABC PA will continue working with DGS to ensure our state's bidding system remains fair, open, objective and vigorously protects the public's right to know.